Chapter 2

“Chief steward, apologies for keeping you waiting. I’m glad you honored our pack!”

I heard my so-called father say as he approached a wiry-looking man with gaunt but stern features. His stance showed he was probably someone to be respected, especially with the way my father was currying favor towards him.

“Well… Alpha Hane, I do not have much time to spend here. You sent a message that you have something good for the palace this year?” he asked, but it was more of a statement.

My father had ignored me, concentrating on the steward like his life depended on it, even though I was dragged by boss Dane to this waiting room.

The steward was eyeing me on the side like I was prime meat, ever since my father and I entered; I can guess from the cynical expression on his face that he was weighing whether I was worth the effort of his coming.

“Oh yes, chief steward.”

My father moved close to me. “I am offering my dearest daughter to the royal palace this year. She has been specially tutored and can fit into any role you want her to play.”

“Can’t you?” he asked, turning to look at me with an expression that says I’m not allowed to ruin this for him.

With a forlorn expression, I replied tersely, “Yes.”

“Is this voluntary alpha? I don’t want to hear rumors that the royal family kidnapped people from your clan,” the steward stated with his bushy eyebrows raised in a query.

“Of course, chief steward, I am her father, and I have the final say; she is only 18 this year, and though she is a bit stubborn, she is trainable and can take orders well.”

I stared as my ‘father’ kept spouting trash from his lips.

If not that, I don't understand this world here. I wouldn’t have been willing to participate, but as an experienced police officer specializing in negotiation and ransom.

I know my best bet is to cooperate and not allow them to subdue me any more than I am. I would prefer not to be dragged and drugged again. I prefer to retain my senses, thank you.

Rolling my inner eyes, I listened to their conversation, and for certain I know this steward is not to be taken for granted before if I can escape, I will have to learn as much as I can and regain my strength.

This body is really weak; I will need to work up and build my strength. After all, the previous owner exhausted herself to death.

Before I could blink, Boss Dane dragged me outside, and we left my father and the steward inside. He was busy licking his boots, not even caring about the fate of his daughter. It was already dark, and I couldn’t see through the darkness.

He opened the door to the back seat of a car: Oh, so they have a car here, too. I actually thought I was in medieval times, but I guess not.

The journey was silent and long; my strength had returned for a while now, but my hands were still bound. I kept staring around to see the grounds, but everywhere was underdeveloped, just a little bit of rural settlements here and there.

I didn’t want to speak, and the guard sitting with me also did not look like he wanted to converse with me.

After a period of time, I guess two to three hours, because it was pretty late and the night moon was shining brightly as we got to a large expanse with an amazingly large castle that had multiple wings in sight.

It was a sight to behold!

I could not help myself. “Is this the Lycan royal palace?” I asked.

The guard sitting with me grunted in answer but kept mum. He stepped out immediately after the car parked and pulled me out.

“Oh, I see.” That was all I could say, stunned.

There were two cars that were parked. The one I came in with and the other, I guess, took the steward.

With no words spoken, I was taken into the castle through a side door, and I was handed over to a madam.

“So, is she the new addition?” she asked.

“Yes, my lady, she is from the Wolflane clan,” the guard stated.

“She doesn’t look like much. That useless Alpha has dropped his reject on us, a human for that matter,” she stated with annoyance.

“Hey girl, what’s your name?”

I looked at her stern face, stunned for a second, then it occurred to me, she was speaking to me.

“Shei…. Hmm, no, Gina, my name is Gina.”

“I see, take her to the west wing for the rest of the night. I will attend her tomorrow…” she replied.

I was settled into a shabby room that looked like an abandoned store room, my exhausted mind and body couldn’t be bothered, so I just lay on the hard mattress and fell asleep.

Dreaming of my life and quaint little apartment in New York, I could feel someone prodding me, and that was truly annoying. I had not slept enough…

“Who is that? Bug off!” I said, not bothering to open my eyes.

“Hey, you, the lady maid asked me to wake you up,” someone said.

Then it dawned on me, “Lady maid? Gina?” My eyes snapped open.

“So, I am still here?” I said out loud.

“You poor thing, you must be truly stupid has been rumored. What do you mean you are still here?”

“Hurry up and clean up, make sure to change into this,” she hands me a maid's clothing; “You have just five minutes,” she said, stepping out of the room.

Five minutes later, I was out into the hallway, my mind and body were tired from the whole stress, and I had not rested properly since I got to this world.

“Hey, what’s your name?” I asked.

She turned her eyes, assessing me from top to bottom, and answered, “My name is Lila, now follow me and no more questions.”

By the time we got to a larger hallway, it struck 5am on the dot, the large clock in the expansive brown and gold-colored room showed.

I can’t believe they woke me up before 5am, I grumbled to myself.

In the room, there were other maids standing rigidly, like they were set for inspection; they looked neat and prim.

I joined immediately, so I don’t stand out too much. Lila stood on the opposite side of us. The madam I met yesterday came in from another door as if she knew we were all here, ready and waiting for her.

“So, you are the new maids. This is the royal palace, and there are laid down rules to follow.”